Non-Invasive Imager for Medical Applications

Abstract

A method and process is described for providing Non-Invasive three dimensional (3-D) image of a patient such that during surgical or other procedures, the person performing the procedure can visually identify the organs and the location of the instruments in real time inside the body. Such a non-invasive imaging and reconstruction using spatially coordinated imaging in three dimensions is a very valuable tool especially to the surgical community. The high powered computing capabilities, advances in the imaging techniques, individually or in combination when combined with noise filtering and error correction capabilities, have made accurate 3-D imaging in real time from scans a reality. These 3-D images are also used as a diagnostic tool, a practice tool and a teaching tool by the medical community. There may be other applications in these and related areas which may emerge as technology develops and they become apparent to individuals practicing the art.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]This invention addresses the need of the medical and veterinary community to visualize in real time and in three dimensions, the field of operation and the location of instruments during procedures and also accurate placement of medicines.DESCRIPTION OF BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Today most of the robot assisted procedures are conducted by the surgeon operating with a limited vision of the operating field, through microscopes and manipulating the instruments by what is visible in the narrow field of view through the optical cable inserted into the body with the surgical instrumentation. The surgeon has no real wide view of the operating area. There has been scanning and imaging technology such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray, ultra-sound (ultrasonic imaging) etc. which are in wide spread use in diagnostic fields. 3-D imaging technology is also available today, to a limited extend using the images generated which are ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system for conducting invasive procedures with visibility and control using spatially aligned holographic imaging in real-time. This system allows for the use of multiple scanning techniques and the combination of data from these scans to generate a 3-D image of the patient and the field of the procedure. The 3-D image can be used for diagnosis, planning, and remote consultation with experts. The invention also includes the use of ultra-sonic imaging for continuous real-time monitoring during procedures. The system utilizes fixed alignment points and acoustic registration points to eliminate displacement errors when combining and updating 3-D images. The 3-D image generated allows the surgical team to have a virtual view of the operating field and to display the actions as they happen. The invention aims to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of procedures and reduce the risk of complications.

Problems solved by technology

Computed Tomography (CT) scan that use either X-rays or Gamma rays, and standard X-ray imaging, though much have improved over the past years to provide good images using lower radiation levels, still damage the tissues due to accumulated radiation dosage.

These high resolution scans require mathematical computations that take time and hence cannot be done in real-time.

MRI also limits the use of instruments that are made with certain metals that are magnetic, which also limit its use in real time procedures.

3-D images can be generated from these scans but these scanning and subsequent imaging techniques are not suitable at present for continuous real-time monitoring and display of the field of procedure.

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